Storage Unit and Storage Structure

ABSTRACT

In a storage unit ( 60 ) of a rectangular parallel-piped shape which is formed of a pair of horizontal panels ( 61 ) and a pair of vertical panels ( 62 ) that are connected with one another in an annular fashion, each of said horizontal panels ( 61 ) has a fitting groove ( 70 ) extending in a lateral direction thereof into which a part of a structural member of a structural body into which the storage unit is built, and each of horizontal panels also has a positioning groove ( 71 ) extending in a lateral direction thereof into which a protrusion formed on a horizontal cover covering the one horizontal panel is fitted. As a result, it becomes possible to properly construct a storage space in accordance with the purpose of use of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a storage unit that receivesinformation equipment, etc., used in an office, an exhibition hall,etc., to construct an appropriate storage space in accordance with thesize of the office, etc., and to a storage structure constructed by sucha storage unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

There has been disclosed a technique for a method of constructing avariety of kinds of spaces in offices, etc., for the purpose ofconveniences to many people who use such spaces. For example, there hasbeen disclosed a technique that provides, in combination with poles andframe members, a spatial structure that is robust and does not causedamage to the rooms in an office, etc. (see, for example, a Japanesepatent application laid-open No. 2003-138771). In this technique, aminimum shared space structure is shown which is formed of three polesand two frame members that form an angle of 120 degrees therebetween.

In addition, there is also disclosed a technique utilizing unitizedbuildings in constructing a spatial structure (see, for example,Japanese patent application laid-open No. 2003-41689). Such a unitizedbuilding is generally constructed as follows. That is, most parts of abuilding body are produced in a factory, and then transported, aftercompletion of foundation work, to a construction site by means of trucksor the like, where they are coupled and anchored to the foundation, andthereafter fitting and finishing work for necessary fixtures,furnishings, etc., is carried out. Also, in the above-mentionedtechnique, a duct space for wiring is defined in advance in a wall panelthat constitutes the unit.

In a spatial structure provided for an office or the like, it is alsoimportant to construct a storage space for storing or receivinginformation equipment, etc., used in the office. In particular, objectsto be stored or received in such a storage space vary in accordance withthe purpose of use of the spatial structure, etc., so there is fear thatthe storage space, if always remaining constant or fixed, might becomeinconvenient to the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the presentinvention is to provide, upon construction of a storage space in aspatial structure, a storage unit for the storage space which is capableof constructing an appropriate storage space in accordance with thepurpose of use of a user.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, according to the presentinvention, a storage structure for providing a storage space isconstructed of unitized storage units. The storage unit is formed offour individual panels, each of which is provided with a groove for aspecific purpose necessary to construct the storage structure. As aresult, the construction of the storage structure according to thecombination of storage units becomes easy, and the combination can bemade arbitrary.

Specifically, a storage unit according to the present invention is inthe form of a rectangular parallelepiped shape and is formed of a pairof horizontal panels and a pair of vertical panels that are connectedwith one another in an annular fashion. Each of said horizontal panelshas a fitting groove extending in a lateral direction thereof into whicha part of a structural member of a structural body into which saidstorage unit is built, and each of said horizontal panels also has apositioning groove extending in a lateral direction thereof into which aprotrusion formed on a horizontal cover covering said one horizontalpanel is fitted.

The storage unit according to the present invention is a minimum unit ofa storage structure for receiving storage objects in a spatialstructure, etc. Accordingly, by combining a plurality of such storageunits in accordance with an arbitrary purpose such as the purpose of useof the storage unit in a spatial structure, it is possible to form astorage structure corresponding to the intended use of the user. Inaddition, this storage unit is composed of four detachable panels (twohorizontal panels and two vertical panels), so at a stage prior to theconstruction of the storage structure, the space required for the prioraccommodation of component parts can be suppressed small by storing thepanels according to their kinds.

Here, two kinds of grooves including a fitting groove and a positioninggroove are formed in said horizontal panels for individual purposes.When the storage unit is built in and used for the spatial structure(the above-mentioned structural body), the fitting groove provides aspace into which structural members such as poles, etc., for supportingthe storage unit are fitted and received. Accordingly, the storage unitcan be constructed so as to accommodate the structural members therebyto form a storage structure, thus making it possible to ensure thestrength of the storage structure, and the design is also excellentbecause the structural members exist in the places that are not apt tobe noticeable from outside.

The positioning groove provides a space for positioning the horizontalcover in such a manner that the horizontal cover covering the surface ofthe horizontal panel is properly placed with respect to said horizontalpanel. That is, the mounting position of the horizontal cover is decidedby the protrusion on the horizontal cover and the positioning groove inthe horizontal panel. This horizontal cover is mainly intended toimprove the design of the appearance of the storage structure. Inaddition, the positioning groove is a groove that extends in the lateralor horizontal direction of the horizontal panel. With this positioninggroove, when the horizontal cover is attached to the horizontal panel,it is possible to fit the horizontal cover to the horizontal panel bymaking the protrusion of the horizontal cover slide into the positioninggroove. Thus, the handling upon attachment of the horizontal coverbecomes better.

Here, note that in the above-mentioned storage unit, each of saidhorizontal panels may have at least two positioning grooves which are inparallel to said fitting groove. Due to the horizontal arrangement ofthe fitting groove and the positioning grooves, the positioning of thehorizontal cover after attachment of the storage unit to the storagestructure can be easily done according to the operator's eye or visualsensation. Further, with the provision of at least two positioninggrooves, the position of the horizontal cover with respect to thehorizontal panel can be decided more accurately.

In the storage unit as stated above, in case where said protrusion has ajoint portion that can be connected with an external member, saidvertical panel may be covered with a vertical cover, and said externalmember may be connected with said joint portion, whereby said protrusionhaving said joint portion can be fitted into said positioning groovewith said vertical cover being connected with said horizontal cover.

The vertical panel has its surface covered with the vertical cover,similar to the horizontal panel. Here, when the horizontal cover and thevertical cover are connected with each other, a positioning protrusionis used. For example, a screw is exemplified as an external member, andthe horizontal cover and the vertical cover are connected with eachother by the use of this screw. By arranging the thus connectedlocations within the positioning groove, both of the horizontal andvertical covers are fitted on the individual panels, respectively, withthe horizontal cover being made as a reference. Thus, the connectingportions of the covers can be arranged in the place where eyes do notreach easily from the outside of the storage structure. As a result, thedesign value of the storage unit upon attachment of the horizontal coverand the vertical cover is not impaired, and the significance ofexistence of both covers is never reduced.

In the storage unit as stated above, when two of said storage units arearranged side by side with their vertical panels being in opposition toeach other, there may be formed a clearance of a predetermined widthbetween said vertical panels. That is, when the storage structure isconstructed by the combination of the storage units, said clearance isformed which may be used for a prescribed purpose. The predeterminedwidth that decides the size of this clearance is determined inaccordance with the purpose of use given to said clearance. Accordingly,for example, in case where said clearance is used for the purpose ofreceiving power cables and signal cables of information equipment storedor received in the storage unit, the predetermined width may be to suchan extent that those cables can be received in the clearance. Inaddition, this clearance is formed between the vertical panels, so thesituation in which said clearance is used (e.g., the condition of thecables received in the above-mentioned case) is in a state where eyes donot reach easily from the outside of the storage structure. As a result,the design value of the storage unit upon attachment of the horizontalcover and the vertical cover is not impaired, and hence the significanceof existence of both covers is never reduced.

Here, as a storage structure formed by the storage units as statedabove, there is exemplified one which is formed by arranging one or aplurality of said storage units in a horizontal direction and one or aplurality of said storage units in a vertical direction, wherein acommon structural member of the storage structure is fitted into afitting groove in a horizontal panel on an upper surface of each of atleast one or a plurality of uppermost storage units, and another commonstructural member of the storage structure is fitted into a fittinggroove in a horizontal panel on a lower surface of each of one or aplurality of lowermost storage units.

With the storage structure constructed in this manner, it is possible toput the combined storage units into a state where the storage units arefirmly clamped vertically by means of said one structural member and theother structural member. In addition, the storage structure isconstructed with the structural members being interposed, so theassembly thereof becomes easy. Here, note that supporting structuralmembers may be arranged not only for the fitting grooves of theuppermost and lowermost storage units, but also for the immediatestorage units arranged therebetween as well.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more readily apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view showing the schematic construction of a spatialstructure into which a storage unit according to one embodiment of thepresent invention is built.

FIG. 2 is an external view of one of poles that form the spatialstructure into which the storage unit according to the embodiment of thepresent invention is built.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the pole shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an external view of one of beams that form the spatialstructure into which the storage unit according to the embodiment of thepresent invention is built.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of the beam shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is an external view of one of small beams that form the spatialstructure into which the storage unit according to the embodiment of thepresent invention is built.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the small beam shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a view showing the schematic construction of a shelf builtinto the spatial structure shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing the construction of the storage unitaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the storage unit according to theembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of the storage unit according to the embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 12( a) and 12(b) are partial perspective views showing ahorizontal cover and a vertical cover, respectively, which are coupledto the storage unit according to the embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 13 is a view of a storage structure formed of storage unitsaccording to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view of a storage structure formed of storage unitsaccording to another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a spatial structure for which storageunits according to the present invention are used will be describedbased on the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 is a view that shows theoverall outline of a spatial structure 1. The special structure 1 ismainly composed of a plurality of poles 2 a through 2 j (hereinafteralso referred to collectively as “poles 2”) in the form of columnar orpillar shaped members, and a plurality of side or traversing beammembers comprising large beams 3 a through 3 i (hereinafter alsoreferred to collectively as “beams 3”) and small beams 4 a through 4 c(hereinafter also referred to collectively as “small beams 4”). Thepoles 2 extend from a floor surface in a vertical direction so as tosupport the spatial structure 1, and the beams 3 and the small beams 4extend horizontally with respect to the floor surface so as to connectbetween the poles 2 or between beams 3.

Specifically, the spatial structure 1 shown in FIG. 1 takes the form ofa rectangular parallelepiped body, and has six poles 2 a through 2 f atfour corners and at a near middle point of each long side, with the topportions of these poles 2 a through 2 f being connected with one anotherby means of seven beams 3 a through 3 g. In addition, a pole 2 g isarranged in opposition to the front pole 2 a in FIG. 1, with braces 5being stretched between the pole 2 a and the pole 2 g. This pole 2 g isconnected with an intermediate portion of the beam 3 a. Also, a smallbeam 4 a extending horizontally with respect to the floor surface isconnected with lower portions of the pole 2 a and the pole 2 g. Thestrength of the spatial structure 1 is improved by means of the smallbeam 4 a, the poles 2 a, 2 g, the beams 3 and the braces 5.

In addition, a pole 2 h is arranged in opposition to the pole 2 e, andis connected with an intermediate portion of the beam 3 b. Two smallbeams 4 b are connected between the pole 2 e and the pole 2 h, and ashelf 6 is arranged in a space enclosed by the small beams 4 b and thepoles 2 e, 2 h. Further, two poles 2 i, 2 j, being connected withintermediate portions of the beam 3 d, are arranged between the poles 2c, 2 d, and the lower portions of the poles 2 c, 2 i, 2 j, 2 d areconnected with one another by means of the small beam 4 c. In addition,a screen 7 is formed between the poles 2 i, 2 j so as to server as aplane of projection for a projector 8 that is hung from a beam 3 g.Here, note that in consideration of a load applied to the beam 3 g bythe weight of this projector 8, beams 3 h, 3 i are arranged between thebeam 3 g and the beam 3 d for the purpose of enforcement. Also, a signalto the projector 8 is provided by a computer that is received in theshelf 6.

Thus, the spatial structure 1 is constructed by properly combiningpoles, beams, and small beams in accordance with the purpose of use insuch a manner that information equipment such as the computer, theprojector 8, etc., can be built into the spatial structure 1.Accordingly, the spatial structure 1 is not limited to the one shown inFIG. 1, but can be properly designed in accordance with the individualpurposes of use. The detailed structures of the poles, the beams, andthe small beams will be described below.

First of all, an explanation of the poles 2 will be made based on FIG. 2and FIG. 3. FIG. 2 is an external view of a pole 2, and FIG. 3 is across sectional view of the pole 2. The pole 2 has a cross-sectionalconfiguration evenly divided into four pieces. A plurality of partitions21 extend radially from a central portion or core 20 to form vertices Pof a square in cross section of the pole 2, and walls 22 extend fromeach vertex P toward adjacent vertices P. One wall 22 extending from onevertex P and another wall 22 extending from another adjacent vertex Pextend up to locations just short of a mid point between these verticesP, and they are not in contact with each other. Accordingly, an openingportion 23 is formed between the opposing walls 22, 22 (hereinafterreferred to as “a pair of walls 22”). In addition, a groove 24 isdefined by the pair of walls 22, the adjacent partitions 21, and thecentral core 20. These opening portion 23 and groove 24 extend in theaxial direction of the pole 2 over the entire length thereof, as shownin FIG. 2.

Further, at each vertex P in the cross section of the pole 2, there arearranged two external walls 25 which extend from that vertex P indirections outwardly of the pole 2 and orthogonal to two walls 22connected to that vertex P. As a result, an external wall 25 extendingfrom one vertex P is arranged in opposition to an external wall 25 thatextends from another adjacent vertex P, and a wiring groove 26 in theform of a half-closed space is formed on a surface of the pole 2 bymeans of the opposing external walls 25 and the pair of walls 22connected therewith. In this wiring groove 26, there can be stored orreceived power cables and signal cables of the information equipmentused in the spatial structure 1. In addition, the storage or receptionof the cables in the wiring groove 26 might reduce the external designor appearance of the spatial structure, so in order to avoid this, awiring cover shown in FIG. 3 may be provided so as to cover the wiringgroove 26.

Next, an explanation of the beams 3 will be made based on FIG. 4 andFIG. 5. FIG. 4 is an external view of a beam 3, and FIG. 5 is a crosssectional view of the beam 3. The cross-sectional shape of the beam 3 issubstantially identical with the cross-sectional shape of the pole 2. Acentral portion or core 30, partitions 31, walls 32 (pairs of walls 32),opening portions 33, grooves 34, and vertices Q of the beam 3 correspondto the central portion or core 20, the partitions 21, the walls 22(pairs of wall 22), the opening portions 23, the grooves 24, and thevertices P of the pole 2, respectively, and hence a detailed descriptionthereof is omitted.

In the beam 3, the construction of wiring grooves for storing orreceiving the power cables and the signal cables of the informationequipment used in the spatial structure 1 is different from that in thecase of the pole 2. In the beam 3, wiring grooves 36, 38 are formed onlyin two directions including vertically upper and lower directions, asshown in FIG. 5. Here, note that the height of external walls 35 (i.e.,the height of each external wall 35 from a corresponding vertex Q),which constitute the vertically upper wiring groove 36, is designed tobe higher than the height of external walls 37 (i.e., the height of eachexternal wall 37 from a corresponding vertex Q), which constitute thevertically lower wiring groove 38. This is because it is preferable thatthe wiring groove 36, which opens in the vertically upward directionwhen the beam 3 is assembled to the spatial structure 1, can store orreceive as many cables as possible. Of course, the vertically lowerwiring groove 38 can also receive cables, but in this case, the externaldesign or appearance will be reduced, so it is preferable that a wiringcover shown in FIG. 5 be arranged so as to cover the wiring groove 38.Here, note that on horizontal surfaces of the beam 3, there are no wallsformed which correspond to the external walls 35, 37, and hence nowiring groove exists.

Subsequently, an explanation of the small beams 4 will be made based onFIG. 6 and FIG. 7. FIG. 6 is an external view of a small beam 4, andFIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the small beam 4. Thecross-sectional shape of the small beam 4 is the same in the side orlateral direction as that of the beam 3, but is compressed in thevertical direction therefrom. That is, the small beam 4 is thinner incomparison with the beam 3. A central portion or core 40, partitions 41,walls 42 (pair of walls 42), opening portions 43, grooves 44, andvertices R of the small beam 4 correspond to the central portion or core30, the partitions 31, the walls 32 (pair of walls 32), the openingportions 33, the grooves 34, and the vertices Q of the beam 3,respectively. In addition, in the small beam 4, there are provided nospaces corresponding to the above-mentioned wiring grooves 26, 36, 38.

As described above, the shelf 6, which is possessed by the spatialstructure 1 comprising, as its component members, the poles 2, the beams3 and the small beams 4, is a storage or reception space to receive theinformation equipment or other goods or articles used in the spatialstructure 1, i.e., a storage structure. Details of the shelf 6 are shownin FIG. 8. The shelf 6 is formed by fitting a total of six storage units60, which includes two units in the side or lateral direction and threeunits in the vertical direction, into a rectangular parallelepiped spacethat is formed of two poles 2 extending vertically from the floorsurface and two small beams 4 (a lower small beam 4 being not shown)horizontally connecting between the poles 2. The individual storageunits 60 are units having the same size and shape, respectively.

A detailed construction of a storage unit 60 is shown in FIG. 9. Thestorage unit 60 is constructed by arranging a pair of horizontal panels61 in vertical opposition to each other and a pair of vertical panels 62in horizontal opposition to each other, and respectively connectingthese panels with one another in an annular and rectangularparallelepiped shape. In addition, frames 63 (63 a, 63 b, 63 c) with avariety of decoration purposes can be arranged on the front surface ofthe storage unit 60. The frame 63 a is a frame used when the storageunit 60 is used as an ordinary storage space. The frame 63 b is a frameinto which a polarizing plate is built when a display device such as aliquid crystal display, etc., is received in the storage unit 60. Theframe 63 c is a frame into which a lighting system is built so as toprovide lighting to objects that are to be received in the storage unit60. These frames and other frames are selectively attached to the frontsurface of the storage unit 60.

In addition, regarding a vertical panel 62, a perforated vertical panel62 a may be employed, as shown in FIG. 9. Such a perforated verticalpanel 62 a has a plurality of through holes 62 b, so upon assembly ofthe storage unit 60, an inner side or space and an outer side or spaceof the perforated vertical panel 62 a are connected with each otherthrough the through holes 62 b. Accordingly, when a personal computerfor use with the projector 8, etc., is received in the storage unit 60,it is possible to arrange a power cable and a signal cable from theinner side into the outer side through the through holes 62 b withoutdamaging the external appearance.

In addition, similarly, the frame 63 a and other frames may be attachedto a rear surface of the storage unit 60. Further, when the storage unit60 is not opened in the rear surface, the rear surface of the storageunit 60 may be closed by fitting the back panel 64.

Here, in FIG. 10, there is shown the storage unit 60 as view from thetop surface thereof. That is, the surface of a horizontal panel 61 isshown. In FIG. 10, two storage units 60 are arranged side by side. Thehorizontal panel 61 is provided in its center with a fitting groove 70that extends in a lateral direction (i.e., in a direction to connect theopposed vertical panels 62). In addition, a total of four positioninggrooves 71, which extend in parallel to the fitting groove 70 andpenetrate through the side ends of the horizontal panel 61, are arrangedat the opposite sides of the fitting groove 70 two by two. Further, avertical cover 72 for covering a vertical panel 62 is attached to thesurface of the vertical panel 62 that is located at an outer side, amongthe surfaces of the storage unit 60.

Here, the fitting groove 70 is sized and shaped in such a manner thatthe small beams 4 in the form of the components of the spatial structure1 can be fitted into the fitting groove 70. Accordingly, the width ofthe fitting groove 70 is slightly larger than the width of each of thesmall beams 4, and when a plurality of storage units 60 are arrangedside by side, as shown in FIG. 10, the individual fitting grooves 70 ofthe storage units 60 are located on a straight line. Thus, the storageunits 60 are built into the spatial structure 1 by fitting one smallbeam 4 into the fitting groove 70 located on the straight line.

When the storage units 60 according to the present invention arearranged sideways, as shown in FIG. 10, a clearance 74 of apredetermined width is formed between the vertical panel 62 of onestorage unit 60 and the vertical panel 62 of another adjacent storageunit 60. This clearance 74 is a space that can be used for a prescribedpurpose, and when the storage units 60 are vertically stacked, as shownin FIG. 6, the clearance 74 also extends in the vertical direction. Forexample, in case where the perforated vertical panel 62 a shown in FIG.9 is used as a vertical panel of the storage unit 60, the power cablesand the signal cables of the information equipment, etc., received inthe storage unit 60 can be led into the clearance 74 from the throughholes 62 b so as to be arranged therein. By doing so, there will be nofear that the design value of the appearance of the storage structuremight be deteriorated due to wiring.

In addition, unlike the case of the shelf 6 shown in FIG. 6, it is alsopossible to provide a horizontal cover 73 (see FIG. 11) on the surfaceof the horizontal panel 61 for covering thereof, similar to the verticalpanel 62. FIG. 11 is a view of a storage unit 60 into which thehorizontal cover 73 is built, as seen from the vertical panel 62 side(side surface). In this case, the small beams 4 are not fitted into thefitting groove 70 in the horizontal panel 61 on an upper surface of thetop or uppermost storage unit, as shown in FIG. 6, but as shown in FIG.11, astride between two storage units 60 vertically arranged one overthe other, there are disposed the small beams 4 which are fitted intothe fitting groove 70 in the horizontal panel 61 on the lower surface ofan upper storage unit 60 and the fitting groove 70 in the horizontalpanel 61 on the upper surface of a lower storage unit 60.

Here, when the horizontal cover 73 is attached to the uppermosthorizontal panel 61, the positioning or registration of both of them iscarried out by fitting protrusions 73 a formed on the horizontal cover73 into corresponding positioning grooves 71 formed in the uppermosthorizontal panel 61. Thus, by utilizing such fitting engagement, itbecomes easy to attach the horizontal cover 73 to the uppermosthorizontal panel 61. Additionally, the protrusions 73 a have threadedholes formed therein, respectively, and the threaded holes are formed ina direction along the positioning grooves 71.

In addition, in case where the horizontal cover 73 and the verticalcover 72 are both used for a storage unit 60, both of the covers arefirst mutually coupled with each other, and then attached to the storageunit 60 that has already been assembled, as shown in FIG. 12.Specifically, both of the covers are coupled with each other by passingscrews from through holes 72 a formed in the vertical cover 72 andthreading them into threaded holes formed in the protrusions 73 a,respectively, of the horizontal cover 73. Then, the attachment of boththe covers to the storage unit 60 is achieved by fitting the protrusions73 with the screws threaded therein into the positioning grooves 71,respectively.

Here, in FIGS. 13 and 14, there are illustrated examples of storagestructures that are constructed of an assembly of a plurality of storageunits 60, horizontal covers and vertical covers which are attached tothe assembly. FIG. 13 shows a storage structure in the form of aso-called commodity exhibition shelf. The frame structure of thisexhibition shelf is constructed of a foundation portion in the form of abase portion 81 installed on a floor surface, two right and leftvertical covers 72, a horizontal cover 73 that connects between thevertical covers 72, six small beams 4 (not shown) that connect thehorizontal cover 73 and the base portion 81 with each other in thevertical direction, and three small beams 4 that connect the verticalcovers 72 with each other in the horizontal direction. That is, thehorizontal cover 73 and the vertical cover 72 as well contribute to thereinforcement of the storage structure in the form of the exhibitionshelf. Here, note that the horizontal cover 73 or the vertical cover 72is joined with the small beams 4 by means of appropriate joints. Also,the vertical small beams are arranged in the clearances 74 formedbetween adjacent storage units 60, as stated above.

With respect to such a skeleton or frame structure, a total of twentyeight storage units 60 are arranged in a matrix fashion including sevenrows in the horizontal direction and four lines in the verticaldirection. At this time, the horizontal small beams 4 of the framestructure are fitted into the fitting grooves 70 of the individualstorage units. Here, note that as a method of assembling the small beams4 and the individual storage units 60 of the frame structure, there canbe adopted an appropriate assembly method as required which serves tofacilitate the assembly procedure. Further, in this storage structure,commodities are not directly received and exhibited in the storage units60 built therein, but the commodities are instead exhibited onexhibition plates 80 mounted on the front surfaces of the storage units60 on each line. That is, the storage units 60 do not perform directstorage of the commodities but instead perform indirect storage thereof.

In FIG. 14, there is illustrated a storage structure which isconstructed of storage units 60 that directly store or receive objectsto be stored. The skeleton or frame structure of this storage structureis constructed of two poles 2, a beam 3 that connects the poles 2 atupper locations, another beam 3 that is connected with thefirst-mentioned beam 3 in a T-shaped fashion. Though not illustrated,the later-mentioned beam 3 is further connected with another pole 2 soas to be supported on the floor surface.

Further, small beams (not shown) are connected between the poles 2 ofthe frame structure as constructed in this manner, whereby a pluralityof storage units 60 are built into the frame structure, as in the caseof the storage structure shown in FIG. 13, thereby forming the storagestructure shown in FIG. 14. This storage structure is suitable forarrangement in a space such as an office, etc., in which a lot of peoplegather.

From the foregoing description, it is possible to provide storage unitsfor use with a storage space which can be properly constructed inaccordance with the purpose of use of a user, upon construction of thestorage space in a spatial structure.

While the invention has been described in terms of a preferredembodiment, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventioncan be practiced with modifications within the spirit and scope of theappended claims.

1. A storage unit comprising: a rectangular parallel-piped shapedstructure formed of a pair of horizontal panels and a pair of verticalpanels that are connected with one another in an annular fashion,wherein each of said horizontal panels has a fitting groove extending ina lateral direction thereof and structured and arranged for receiving apart of a structural member of a structural body into which said storageunit is built, and each of said horizontal panels also has a positioninggroove extending in a lateral direction thereof; and at least one of thehorizontal panels being covered by a horizontal cover having aprotrusion formed thereon, the protrusion being fitted into thepositioning groove in said horizontal panel.
 2. The storage unit as setforth in claim 1, wherein each of said horizontal panels has at leasttwo positioning grooves which are in parallel to said fitting groove. 3.The storage unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein said protrusion has ajoint portion that can be connected with an external member; saidvertical panels are covered with vertical covers, respectively; and saidexternal member is connected with said joint portion whereby saidprotrusion having said joint portion is fitted into said positioninggroove with said vertical cover being connected with said horizontalcover.
 4. The storage unit as set forth in claim 1, wherein two of saidstorage units are arranged side by side with their vertical panels beingin opposition to each other, and there is formed a clearance of apredetermined width between said vertical panels.
 5. A storage structurewhich is formed by arranging one or a plurality of said storage units,as set forth in claim 1, in a horizontal direction and one or aplurality of said storage units in a vertical direction, wherein acommon structural member of the storage structure is fitted into thefitting groove in the horizontal panel on an upper surface of each ofone or a plurality of uppermost storage units, and another commonstructural member of the storage structure is fitted into the fittinggroove in the horizontal panel on a lower surface of each of one or aplurality of lowermost storage units.
 6. The storage unit as set forthin claim 2, wherein said protrusion has a joint portion that can beconnected with an external member; said vertical panels are covered withvertical covers, respectively; and said external member is connectedwith said joint portion whereby said protrusion having said jointportion is fitted into said positioning groove with said vertical coverbeing connected with said horizontal cover.
 7. The storage unit as setforth in claim 2, wherein two of said storage units are arranged side byside with their vertical panels being in opposition to each other, andthere is formed a clearance of a predetermined width between saidvertical panels.
 8. The storage unit as set forth in claim 3, whereintwo of said storage units are arranged side by side with their verticalpanels being in opposition to each other, and there is formed aclearance of a predetermined width between said vertical panels.